Aer Lingus Future Pilot Programme 2018
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Dear community,
Since in Europe there are a lot of fATPL pilots hoping to have a first good opportunity in the market, I wonder why are companies like Aer Lingus or Air France opening programmes when financing a TR would be less heavy on them.
Maybe is to bond pilots for more time to have a kind of security to possible market changes.
I really would like to hear your opinion on this.
Thanks!
Since in Europe there are a lot of fATPL pilots hoping to have a first good opportunity in the market, I wonder why are companies like Aer Lingus or Air France opening programmes when financing a TR would be less heavy on them.
Maybe is to bond pilots for more time to have a kind of security to possible market changes.
I really would like to hear your opinion on this.
Thanks!
Join Date: Jun 2014
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Do you require a class one medical before the interview stage?
Join Date: Mar 2008
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Fiddlesticks. I submitted my CV a week ago but didn’t submit a cover letter as it didn’t specifically ask for one. I should have really found this forum beforehand.
Do we think preference will be given to Irish nationals?
Do we think preference will be given to Irish nationals?
Join Date: Jun 2016
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I think it’s safe to assume that there will be some bias towards Irish citizens, not least because they are most likely to want to build a lifetime career with Aer Lingus. That said, the strongest candidates will ultimately succeed - Irish or otherwise.
Join Date: Aug 2013
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Having read the confirmation email and other posts, the way I understand the process is that the CV will initially only be screened to ensure you meet the entry requirements. If you were to go through to the final stages then your CV will be looked at in depth together with any cover letter, if applicable.
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It was specified to only attach a CV so really don't think you will lose out by supplying what they're asking for. If anything showing that you're able to follow instructions might even be looked on more favourably.
Last edited by Jetstream alpha; 8th May 2018 at 12:10.
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Guys just include a cover letter, it won't be thrown in the bin that's for sure, it shows initiative too. I attended a selection preparation day and they also encouraged including a cover letter even if not specifically asked, you're trying to sell yourself so seize every possible opportunity to do so.
And they are flexible, I emailed them after submitting to even update my CV and they allowed so, also offering the chance to update/edit my cover letter. So it's never too late, they are very flexible and understanding if last time is anything to go by.
And they are flexible, I emailed them after submitting to even update my CV and they allowed so, also offering the chance to update/edit my cover letter. So it's never too late, they are very flexible and understanding if last time is anything to go by.
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Although in a completely different sector I have sat on both sides of an interview sift/panel. If they didn’t ask for a cover letter don’t send one. I have been instructed in a previous job to ditch applications that didnt follow basic application instructions. Harsh but when you have thousands of applicants why look at those who can’t follow basics? I wouldn’t worry. Those who sent a cover letter however......... 😂 I’m sure it won’t matter either way.
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<div style="text-align:left;"><br /><br />Although in a completely different sector I have sat on both sides of an interview sift/panel. If they didn’t ask for a cover letter don’t send one. I have been instructed in a previous job to ditch applications that didnt follow basic application instructions. Harsh but when you have thousands of applicants why look at those who can’t follow basics? I wouldn’t worry. Those who sent a cover letter however......... I’m sure it won’t matter either way.</div>
Join Date: Oct 2016
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Hi everyone 
I've been thinking whether to apply or not for days and I've finally decided to ask for your advice.
Basically, I am currently enrolled at university (in my second year of study - out of four). I would like to apply to the Aer Lingus programme as it is an exceptional opportunity for an aspiring pilot as I am. However, I'm not entirely sure about what a recruiter might think when seeing I'm actually still enrolled at university.
Since it's obviously not possible to keep studying at uni while undergoing a professional pilot training, a possible question from any recruiter might be "what will you do if you are successful throughout the selection process?". The answer would be obvious but saying I would drop out of university without any hesitation might equally be disqualifying as I might sound like someone who is not determined to succeed and easily gives up.
What do you genuinely think? Should I apply or should I wait until I'm done with university?
Many thanks for any advice you might have

I've been thinking whether to apply or not for days and I've finally decided to ask for your advice.
Basically, I am currently enrolled at university (in my second year of study - out of four). I would like to apply to the Aer Lingus programme as it is an exceptional opportunity for an aspiring pilot as I am. However, I'm not entirely sure about what a recruiter might think when seeing I'm actually still enrolled at university.
Since it's obviously not possible to keep studying at uni while undergoing a professional pilot training, a possible question from any recruiter might be "what will you do if you are successful throughout the selection process?". The answer would be obvious but saying I would drop out of university without any hesitation might equally be disqualifying as I might sound like someone who is not determined to succeed and easily gives up.
What do you genuinely think? Should I apply or should I wait until I'm done with university?
Many thanks for any advice you might have

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There is a proven track record of Aer Lingus looking at cover letters with many reports of them being referred to in interviews, now without wishing to sound rude, but whatever your previous company said isn't relevant because Aer Lingus clearly aren't one of those companies. Cover letters are processed and read by them. That's not to say not including one harms you, but the difference between applicants comes down to almost futile things at the final stage, you need every tiny bit of help you can get.
Join Date: May 2018
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Hi guys,
I am thinking about applying for this programme. I am currently in a school finishing my PPL, and I am in a program routed to obtain my CPL. The problem is that it is very difficult to progress in this school (a long story, which i'm not gonna tell here). My motivations are just to study, work, fly and fly again. I am only focused on progressing and trying to be a good pilot; and maybe this program is a good opportunity for me, as I am completely stuck in my current school waiting everyday for flights, for the aircrafts to be fixed, and for bureaucracy to be made...
As I try to progress as fast as possible, I might be finishing the theory of the ATPL before beginning the program with Aer Lingus, would you still apply in my case?
Thank you very much for your answers, and good luck to all with your apply!!
I am thinking about applying for this programme. I am currently in a school finishing my PPL, and I am in a program routed to obtain my CPL. The problem is that it is very difficult to progress in this school (a long story, which i'm not gonna tell here). My motivations are just to study, work, fly and fly again. I am only focused on progressing and trying to be a good pilot; and maybe this program is a good opportunity for me, as I am completely stuck in my current school waiting everyday for flights, for the aircrafts to be fixed, and for bureaucracy to be made...
As I try to progress as fast as possible, I might be finishing the theory of the ATPL before beginning the program with Aer Lingus, would you still apply in my case?
Thank you very much for your answers, and good luck to all with your apply!!
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Sara......
One scenario
- Drop out if successfully employed by AL. When asked at the interview state that this is all you have ever wanted to do and it would be foolhardy to wait for a future programme to pop up given the inherent uncertainty that exists within the industry
- Also AL invites applications from employees to study during their careers and will pay towards this. Generally its the ambitous types wanting to undertake MBAs and suchlike and jump across into management. Therefore there is a slim chance that you could complete a higher level qualification after qualifying as a pilot.
Now if it was me I would do the degree (assuming its something relevant) as it demonstrates you completed something and if you don't get an airline job then you will have a career to fall back on. Plus you might lose your medical one day and be out of a job altogether.
One scenario
- Drop out if successfully employed by AL. When asked at the interview state that this is all you have ever wanted to do and it would be foolhardy to wait for a future programme to pop up given the inherent uncertainty that exists within the industry
- Also AL invites applications from employees to study during their careers and will pay towards this. Generally its the ambitous types wanting to undertake MBAs and suchlike and jump across into management. Therefore there is a slim chance that you could complete a higher level qualification after qualifying as a pilot.
Now if it was me I would do the degree (assuming its something relevant) as it demonstrates you completed something and if you don't get an airline job then you will have a career to fall back on. Plus you might lose your medical one day and be out of a job altogether.
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Hi everyone 
I've been thinking whether to apply or not for days and I've finally decided to ask for your advice.
Basically, I am currently enrolled at university (in my second year of study - out of four). I would like to apply to the Aer Lingus programme as it is an exceptional opportunity for an aspiring pilot as I am. However, I'm not entirely sure about what a recruiter might think when seeing I'm actually still enrolled at university.
Since it's obviously not possible to keep studying at uni while undergoing a professional pilot training, a possible question from any recruiter might be "what will you do if you are successful throughout the selection process?". The answer would be obvious but saying I would drop out of university without any hesitation might equally be disqualifying as I might sound like someone who is not determined to succeed and easily gives up.
What do you genuinely think? Should I apply or should I wait until I'm done with university?
Many thanks for any advice you might have

I've been thinking whether to apply or not for days and I've finally decided to ask for your advice.
Basically, I am currently enrolled at university (in my second year of study - out of four). I would like to apply to the Aer Lingus programme as it is an exceptional opportunity for an aspiring pilot as I am. However, I'm not entirely sure about what a recruiter might think when seeing I'm actually still enrolled at university.
Since it's obviously not possible to keep studying at uni while undergoing a professional pilot training, a possible question from any recruiter might be "what will you do if you are successful throughout the selection process?". The answer would be obvious but saying I would drop out of university without any hesitation might equally be disqualifying as I might sound like someone who is not determined to succeed and easily gives up.
What do you genuinely think? Should I apply or should I wait until I'm done with university?
Many thanks for any advice you might have

Im not suggesting you wait as long as me but assuming you enjoy your degree and would consider a job in that area interesting there is no harm in having some other experience on your CV.
That being said i am not sure my younger self would take my current advice! Only you know what you really want to do. Consider the cost and effort you have made so far and if another few years is that long to wait. Even when you finish uni you still have a hell of a long time to be a career pilot.
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Hi everyone 
I've been thinking whether to apply or not for days and I've finally decided to ask for your advice.
Basically, I am currently enrolled at university (in my second year of study - out of four). I would like to apply to the Aer Lingus programme as it is an exceptional opportunity for an aspiring pilot as I am. However, I'm not entirely sure about what a recruiter might think when seeing I'm actually still enrolled at university.
Since it's obviously not possible to keep studying at uni while undergoing a professional pilot training, a possible question from any recruiter might be "what will you do if you are successful throughout the selection process?". The answer would be obvious but saying I would drop out of university without any hesitation might equally be disqualifying as I might sound like someone who is not determined to succeed and easily gives up.
What do you genuinely think? Should I apply or should I wait until I'm done with university?
Many thanks for any advice you might have

I've been thinking whether to apply or not for days and I've finally decided to ask for your advice.
Basically, I am currently enrolled at university (in my second year of study - out of four). I would like to apply to the Aer Lingus programme as it is an exceptional opportunity for an aspiring pilot as I am. However, I'm not entirely sure about what a recruiter might think when seeing I'm actually still enrolled at university.
Since it's obviously not possible to keep studying at uni while undergoing a professional pilot training, a possible question from any recruiter might be "what will you do if you are successful throughout the selection process?". The answer would be obvious but saying I would drop out of university without any hesitation might equally be disqualifying as I might sound like someone who is not determined to succeed and easily gives up.
What do you genuinely think? Should I apply or should I wait until I'm done with university?
Many thanks for any advice you might have

Would you want to work for Aer Lingus
If in doubt about either, don't bother.
Onlynthose with a strong desire to be given this chance will have any chance of getting through the tough application process.